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It's that time of year - March Madness! I mean tax season... We originally posted this article for the 2016 tax year but it is still just as pertinent today. If you read last year's article, read the "What's New" summary before deciding whether you need to read further. Otherwise, you might find it helpful to read the entire post.

Note: I am still working on our 2017 tax return. When I complete it, I'll edit this blog post to show the actual tax savings attributed to the "Overlooked Deductions." You can see our tax savings from 2016 here.

I thought a board game business was about playing games...

I am addressing individuals who file their board game publishing business taxes on Schedule C with their personal tax return. I will start with some of the most valuable deductions I believe are often overlooked (in order of the largest tax savings for us in 2016) and then move on to specific line details.

Please note that I am not an accountant and what is listed below is my own perspective based on reading IRS documents and soliciting professional advice. I am happy to help answer any questions via this blog or email (games [at] piecekeepergames.com) but consider hiring an accountant as needed.

What's New

Very few tax law changes

Very little changed with US tax laws between the 2016 and 2017 tax years that impacts small board game publishers. However, there are larger changes looming for the 2018 tax year.

Removed non-taxable gifts

After further consulting legal advice, I no longer believe any Kickstarter pledge amounts constitute non-taxable gifts. So you need to report all the funds received from Kickstarter as revenue.

Late pledge now to get your copy of Gearworks or Gearworks Deluxe Edition!

Sudoku meets steampunk in a visually stunning card game for 1-4 players.

Gearworks is a steampunk strategy card game featuring card placement, hand management, and a "twist" on area control. Strategically position your gears to fix a mysterious clockwork machine in the corner of the workshop.

This contract is written from the perspective of a business in the United States. If your business if based outside of the US, you should give this contract a really thorough review before using it.

Please note that I am not a lawyer and what is listed below is my own perspective based on paying lawyers for advice and years of reviewing legal documents. I am happy to help answer any questions via this blog or email (games [at] piecekeepergames.com) but consider hiring a lawyer as needed.

If you will be at Gen Con, we'd love to see you and give you a little gift! We'll primarily be in two areas: the First Exposure Playtest Hall (FEPH) - generally at table 14 - and Hall A: Black (although we may also be in other Hall A or Hall B areas close by). Look for a banner with the Rurik art on it (shown below).

We have a few event slots left for Rurik: Dawn of Kiev. Get your tickets now to play an early demo for this upcoming 4X realm building game set in 11th century Kievan Rus' and featuring auction programming (brand new mechanic), resource management, and area control.

Gen Con events for our upcoming euro-style game Rurik: Dawn of Kiev are live and selling out quickly! Get your tickets now to play early demos for this upcoming 4X realm building game set in 11th century Kievan Rus' and featuring auction programming (brand new mechanic), resource management, and area control. Sign up for our mailing list for game updates.